Code of Conduct Agreement This parent agreement has been established in an effort to better inform the parents of all players in Ripon FC of the Club’s expectations. As a parent of a player in Ripon FC, my family and I pledge to: Respect the rules as they maintain a player’s health and safety, provide everyone with a fair chance to enjoy the game of soccer, and promote a positive environment. Observe the guidelines established by Ripon FC, NorCal Premier Soccer, and US Club Soccer, and ensure that I will comply with rules, policies, and procedures of the team and the Club. Encourage and support my child’s experience and play on the field, while supporting the Club, coach, manager, and team. Encourage good sportsmanship and self-discipline in my child, teammates, and opponents by modeling positive behavior toward referees and opponents. Respect officials and accept their decisions, always avoiding dissent or disrespect. Familiarize myself with the rules of the game. Support the coach and understand that they are making decisions in the best interest of my child and the team. I understand that the coaching process is complex and should not be judged solely by results. It is never about winning, rather about learning and growing. I will not disrespect opposing team players, nor will I use profanity or an aggressive tone of voice from the sidelines. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and will refrain from their use at all youth sports events. I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or ability. Discrimination will not be tolerated. I will hold the emotional and physical well-being of my child ahead of a personal desire to win. Conversations regarding my child should be conducted with the coach privately, not during or immediately following a game. Per the NorCal rulebook, if a parent is upset after a game, scrimmage, playdate, or tournament, allow for a 24-hour cool-down period before addressing concerns to the coach. If the issue is still unresolved, concerns may be elevated to the Club Director. Referees must be respected and treated properly because without them, our games cannot be played. Refereeing youth soccer games is a difficult job, and the number of officials willing to step up is limited. Verbal abuse or emotional targeting of referees, players, or coaches is unacceptable. They are fellow soccer fans and deserve patience and respect. Mistakes will be made, and I must maintain a positive attitude toward our team and players, modeling a good example of how to treat authority figures. The behavior of parents and coaches is modeled by young athletes, and we are responsible for maintaining a high standard in our conduct. If any parent yells at the ref, the coach could get a yellow card or even a red card, resulting in the coach’s suspension for multiple weeks. Parents from other teams will be loud sometimes and even slander the players with derogatory terms and if/when this happens, the ref should be notified right away in a calm, professional manner. Ripon FC will not tolerate any parents, players, or coaches disrespecting referees, coaches, or Club officials. Appropriate action will be taken if anyone is found to disregard these expectations, including possible suspension or removal from participation. I as the parent will not coach my child or any of the other players from the sideline. Cheering for them is welcomed however, directing the players on what to do and/or where to go on the field is highly detrimental to the growth of the player, team, and coach. When the players are in a game it is very important for them to have autonomy support. The players must be able to think for themselves, make decisions on their own, and only hear the coach’s voice directing them.
Playing Time Allotment & Injury Playing time starts with players who have appropriate attendance for trainings and games. Players who are punctual to games and trainings will be awarded more playing time as this shows a team focused mentality. Playing time is also affected by the player’s: Soccer IQ - Knowledge and instincts in the game including field awareness, vision, proper communication, decision making & reaction time. Athletic Ability - Ball control, passing accuracy, passing power, shot accuracy, shot power, & aggressiveness on the ball. Mindset - Being encouraging on the field. Praising teammates. Keeping a calm, cool demeanor whether the team is struggling or doing well. Ability to direct a teammate and help fix a mistake when a mistake is made. Good sportsmanship including helping the opposing team’s player up and shaking the other player’s hand if one is knocked down on a foul. Clean mouth and respectful to refs, opposing team’s players, coaches, and parents. (NO CURSING ON THE FIELD). Playing time in games for new players may be minimal to start out. Learning the system on the team is a process and takes time to learn. If a player sustains an injury and is unable to participate in team activities, the player is still required to attend each game, tournament, scrimmage, and play date. It is important injured players stay connected to the team even when unable to play as this shows a team first mentality, continuity, and motivation to continue to learn and develop.
I have thoroughly read and understand the Ripon FC Code of Conduct Agreement. I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child, coach, and team by following this Parent Code of Conduct Agreement. I understand that appropriate actions will be taken if I do not follow this Code of Conduct
